RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- PHARMACISTS TEST-AND-TREAT, AUTHORITY ACT
Impact
If enacted, this legislation will significantly alter the landscape of healthcare delivery in the state by expanding the role of pharmacists. Beginning January 1, 2027, health insurance carriers will be required to include the services provided by pharmacists in their coverage plans. This change aims to improve healthcare accessibility and reduce the burdens on existing healthcare facilities by potentially lowering unnecessary visits to urgent care or emergency rooms. The bill stipulates that pharmacists may treat conditions such as influenza and COVID-19, further expanding their scope in public health management.
Summary
House Bill H7921, also known as the Pharmacists Test-and-Treat Authority Act, is designed to authorize pharmacists to independently conduct screenings and initiate treatments for a range of certain conditions. The bill highlights the importance of timely access to healthcare, particularly in situations where patients may not have immediate access to a physician or healthcare provider. By allowing pharmacists to order, perform, and interpret CLIA-waived tests, the bill seeks to alleviate pressure on emergency departments while facilitating improved patient care and access to necessary medications.
Contention
Despite its potential benefits, H7921 has raised concerns among some healthcare professionals regarding the adequacy of training pharmacists will receive to undertake such responsibilities. Critics argue that while empowering pharmacists to provide these services may enhance access to care, it might also lead to varying levels of competency among providers unless stringent guidelines and training protocols are in place. The law mandates that the state board of pharmacy, in consultation with the department of health, sets forth these necessary guidelines, yet the effectiveness of this implementation remains a topic of debate.
Restricts audits of pharmacists conducted by insurers and their intermediaries, limiting audits to one per year unless fraud or misrepresentation is reasonably suspected. The RI attorney general has the authority to impose sanctions for violations.
Prohibits an insurer from imposing a requirement of prior authorization for any admission, item, service, treatment, test, exam, study, procedure, or any generic or brand name prescription drug ordered by a primary care provider.
Authorizes a midwife, nurse practitioner or physicians assistant attending a newborn to cause that child to be subject to newborn screening tests for conditions for which there is a medical benefit to the early detection and treatment of the disorder.
Authorizes a midwife, nurse practitioner or physicians assistant attending a newborn to cause that child to be subject to newborn screening tests for conditions for which there is a medical benefit to the early detection and treatment of the disorder.
Expands the existing law regarding collaborative practice agreements between pharmacists and physicians to allow other healthcare providers to enter into such agreements and removes the definition of “collaborative practice committee.”
Relating to the regulation of pharmacists and the practice of pharmacy, including the administration of a medication and the ordering and administration of an immunization or vaccination by a pharmacist.